EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN Ohio State is on the minds of Spartans

Quarterback Troy Smith is expected to get his third straight start.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Jim Tressel doesn't expect the Spartans to still be hanging their heads after their heartbreaking loss at Michigan.
"If they weren't playing Ohio State, that might be an option," the Buckeyes' coach said. "But I'm sure as they worked out all summer long and they looked at their schedule, they had about eight days there right in a row that were circled that were probably going to be the difference in their football season, Saturday to Saturday, Michigan and Ohio State.
"And I'm sure they've been thinking about it for quite some time and the fact that it's Ohio State coming to their house, I'd be shocked if there was anything other than an increased effort."
Others expect Michigan State (4-4, 3-2 Big Ten) to crumble against the Buckeyes (5-3, 2-3) at home today and the rest of the season after their agonizing 45-37 defeat in Ann Arbor.
Blew 17-point lead
The Spartans led the Wolverines by 17 points midway through the fourth quarter. But just before they could celebrate their first win at Michigan Stadium since 1990 and take a huge step toward a bowl bid, they lost their lead and then the game in triple overtime.
"That's life. That's football," Michigan State coach John L. Smith said. "We have to put it behind us."
The Spartans might have to play the rest of the season without standout quarterback Drew Stanton. The run-and-pass threat separated his shoulder in the first half at Michigan, and was replaced by Damon Dowdell.
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is expected to get his third straight start. He was 18-of-32 for 220 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions and 84 yards rushing in wins at home against Penn State and Indiana.
"He definitely has helped our team over the past couple of games," Maurice Hall said.
Ball four
Smith might hand off the ball off to up to four running backs because Lydell Ross is back in the rotation along with Hall, Tony Pittman and Branden Joe.
Ross, who was in uniform but did not play against Penn State, was suspended against Indiana after a complaint was filed against him for allegedly using fake coupons at a local all-nude strip club. Ross was cleared Thursday.
"He'll be one of the four guys that have opportunities to carry the ball," Tressel said. "How many times, I don't know."
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